Seven ways to prepare for a low-FODMAP guest

It’s holiday season, which means lots of family gatherings and travelling. Preparing for a low-FODMAP guest can be daunting!

However, it is just as daunting for the person with the food intolerances. Believe me, we are not trying to be an inconvenience or trying to be fussy. The last thing we want is to be very ill and stuck in your bathroom for the entire stay.

1. Talk to your guest

FODMAP and food intolerances can vary greatly in terms of the types of food and symptom severity. Develop an understanding of your guest’s gastrointestinal issues by talking to them openly about how severe their symptoms get, and what their worst trigger foods are. This understanding can help you with the preliminary recipe selection.

2. Understand that your guest can’t just have a ‘cheat’ day

The low-FODMAP diet is a medical diet, not a weight-loss diet. The consequence of eating something naughty on a weight-loss diet is normally a guilty conscious. Cheating on the low-FODMAP diet can have serious consequences, and cause IBS symptoms ranging from an uncomfortable stomach with a bit of wind and bloating, right through to severe abdominal pains, diarrhoea or constipation. These symptoms can last for several days. For people on the low-FODMAP diet, a little bit of garlic, onion or another high-FODMAP food is a big deal, and although it can seem annoying, it is in their best interests (health and well-being) if you help them avoid high-FODMAP food consumption.

3. Get a good list of low-FODMAP foods from your guest

If they are on the low-FODMAP diet only, then you can do this yourself by purchasing the Monash Low FODMAP app. This is the most comprehensive and up-to-date, low-FODMAP guide developed by Monash University. This app contains both food lists and recommended serving sizes, which can help you make sure your guest avoids high-FODMAP foods. If you can’t get this app, ask your guest for a list of low-FODMAP foods.

4. Plan meals together

If they are coming for a special event, get them to help you plan the meal. There are often simple ways to make Christmas classics safe, for instance, switching out spices and changing the stuffing bread to gluten-free bread. If an ingredient isn’t on the safe list, ask your guest before including it in the recipe. Often simple meals are better. Check out these low-FODMAP recipes for some safe and delicious inspiration.

5. Reduce cross contamination

To keep your guest safe, only cook with low-FODMAP foods. Please be aware that FODMAPs are water soluble, which means they leach out of the high-FODMAP food items and into the low-FODMAP foods in the meal. This means you can’t cook with onion and then simply remove it from the dish, as the FODMAPs have already absorbed into the other ingredients and could make your guest very sick.

6. Stock the pantry

If your guest is flying in to meet you, they may not be able to bring pantry staples with them. Pantry staples include safe milk, their favourite cereal and snacks, low-FODMAP stock, and gluten-free flour. Ask them to create a list so you can grab some basic pantry items before they arrive (often they will be happy to contribute to the grocery fund as well).

7. Plan where to eat out during their stay

Some restaurants are better at adapting low-FODMAP meals than others. Often Thai and steak houses are good choices, also look for restaurants with gluten-free options. For more information on how to choose safe restaurants, read this How To Eat Out guide.

Final Thoughts

Good communication is key to helping your low-FODMAP guest stay symptom free during their trip. Remember that your guest is not trying to be an inconvenience to you. They are trying to stay as healthy as possible so they can help create happy memories. Your support of the low-FODMAP diet and their food intolerances will mean the world to them. Please follow me on Facebook for weekly tips and delicious low-FODMAP recipes.